

# Formula One Returns to Las Vegas Amid Controversy and Economic Expectations

The **Formula One Grand Prix** has returned to **Las Vegas** after more than four decades, sparking a mix of excitement, controversy, and economic expectations (1,2,3,4,5,6). The high-profile race, which features cars speeding down the Las Vegas Strip at 200 mph, is part of an effort to transform Las Vegas into a sports mecca (2). However, the event has also stirred dissatisfaction among locals due to high ticket prices, traffic congestion, and the perception that it caters to high rollers rather than average fans (2).

> "Fountains have been shut off, canals drained, streets closed or harder to navigate... It is clearly causing a lot of uproar," said Michael Green, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas history professor (6).

Despite the disruptions, the race is expected to attract more than 100,000 spectators each day and contribute over $1 billion to the local economy (2,3,4,5,6). The construction of the racetrack has caused traffic delays and inconvenience for residents, but some small businesses along the racetrack circuit have benefited from the event (2).

> "We love big events, we love money coming to town but with F1 we don’t know what type of value we are going to see yet... Las Vegas is growing up as a city but there are growing pains," said local resident Ian Rineer (4).

The event has also sparked controversy over the cutting down of trees along the Strip to make room for spectator grandstands, causing complaints from residents (2). Furthermore, the cost of resurfacing streets and building infrastructure for the race is estimated at $80 million, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix seeking $40 million from Clark County (2).

Despite these concerns, **Formula One officials** and **Las Vegas police** state that barriers and screens were put up for safety reasons and to prevent overcrowding (2). The event is expected to bring in billionaires from around the world and generate a significant amount of money (1,5). 

> "Formula One is in a class all its own... Everyone who lives here, who works in the resort corridor in particular, has had to sacrifice because of the significant roadwork and construction," said Jim Gibson, chairman of the elected body with jurisdiction over the Las Vegas Strip (6).

The race is also expected to boost tourism on the Strip, with ticket prices and hotel fares reduced and still unsold tickets for the event (1). The popularity of Formula One racing has increased since the release of the Netflix docuseries "Formula 1: Drive to Survive" (1).

As the city gears up for the race, the question remains whether the economic benefits will outweigh the disruptions and whether the event will become an annual fixture on the Las Vegas calendar. The answer will likely depend on the success of this inaugural event and the response from residents, businesses, and fans alike.

<h1>Formula One Returns to Las Vegas Amid Controversy and Economic Expectations</h1>
The Formula One Grand Prix has returned to Las Vegas after more than four decades, sparking a mix of excitement, controversy, and economic expectations (1,2,3,4,5,6). The high-profile race, which features cars speeding down the Las Vegas Strip at 200 mph, is part of an effort to transform Las Vegas into a sports mecca (2). However, the event has also stirred dissatisfaction among locals due to high ticket prices, traffic congestion, and the perception that it caters to high rollers rather than average fans (2).
<blockquote>
"Fountains have been shut off, canals drained, streets closed or harder to navigate... It is clearly causing a lot of uproar," said Michael Green, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas history professor (6).
</blockquote>
Despite the disruptions, the race is expected to attract more than 100,000 spectators each day and contribute over $1 billion to the local economy (2,3,4,5,6). The construction of the racetrack has caused traffic delays and inconvenience for residents, but some small businesses along the racetrack circuit have benefited from the event (2).
<blockquote>
"We love big events, we love money coming to town but with F1 we don’t know what type of value we are going to see yet... Las Vegas is growing up as a city but there are growing pains," said local resident Ian Rineer (4).
</blockquote>
The event has also sparked controversy over the cutting down of trees along the Strip to make room for spectator grandstands, causing complaints from residents (2). Furthermore, the cost of resurfacing streets and building infrastructure for the race is estimated at $80 million, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix seeking $40 million from Clark County (2).
Despite these concerns, Formula One officials and Las Vegas police state that barriers and screens were put up for safety reasons and to prevent overcrowding (2). The event is expected to bring in billionaires from around the world and generate a significant amount of money (1,5).
<blockquote>
"Formula One is in a class all its own... Everyone who lives here, who works in the resort corridor in particular, has had to sacrifice because of the significant roadwork and construction," said Jim Gibson, chairman of the elected body with jurisdiction over the Las Vegas Strip (6).
</blockquote>
The race is also expected to boost tourism on the Strip, with ticket prices and hotel fares reduced and still unsold tickets for the event (1). The popularity of Formula One racing has increased since the release of the Netflix docuseries "Formula 1: Drive to Survive" (1).
As the city gears up for the race, the question remains whether the economic benefits will outweigh the disruptions and whether the event will become an annual fixture on the Las Vegas calendar. The answer will likely depend on the success of this inaugural event and the response from residents, businesses, and fans alike.

Formula One is bringing thousands of racing fans to Las Vegas this weekend. Not everyone is thrilled about it

The Guardian

F1 apologises to Las Vegas for disruption caused by new night race

Reuters

Viva Las Vegas, Formula One betting big on Sin City race

4029 News

Tourists find the Las Vegas Strip remade for its turn hosting Formula One

Fox News

Las Vegas ready for F1 races after a year of construction preparing for the event

Las Vegas Strip transforms into high-speed racetrack for Formula One

Formula One

Las Vegas Grand Prix

Economy

Tourism

Traffic Disruptions

The inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in Las Vegas has sparked both excitement and controversy, with expectations of significant economic benefits and criticism over disruptions.

Formula One Returns to Las Vegas Amid Controversy and Economic Expectations

Newsletter

Stay Connected